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Cardiovascular risks soar among daily cannabis users

A 2024 study suggests using cannabis weekly may be associated with an increase in people's risks of heart attack and stroke, and the risks rise dramatically with more frequent use.

Dizziness demystified

Vertigo is a symptom, not a condition. It can make people feel lightheaded, faint, unsteady, or like the room is spinning. Common conditions causing vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraines, vestibular neuritis, and Meniare's disease. People should see a doctor after a single vertigo episode to determine the cause. Depending on the cause, treatments might include medications, a canalith repositioning procedure, vestibular therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Staying active, not sedentary, between episodes can help people with vertigo feel better.

What is leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome isn't a clinical diagnosis. It refers to a breakdown in the barrier between the gut and bloodstream caused by inflammation in the small intestine. The bacteria and toxins that seep through the gut lining can trigger an array of intestinal symptoms.

Are you missing this simple treatment for restless legs?

Brain iron deficiency should be one of the first considerations when treating restless legs syndrome (RLS). But many doctors don't know that iron deficiency is one cause of RLS and don't test for it, particularly in men, in whom iron deficiency is uncommon.

One surprising effect of wildfires: Itchy, irritated skin

Mounting evidence suggests that wildfires, which are increasing in intensity and frequency, contribute to skin problems, including eczema flares. Here's what you need to know to protect your skin from wildfire pollution.

Ultra-processed foods? Just say no

It's well known that ultra-processed foods are unhealthy. But what if you follow a healthy diet yet also eat some ultra-processed foods? A new study found that this still poses a risk for brain health.

Can you become a "super-ager"?

Super-agers are individuals known to maintain peak mental prowess well into their 90s and avoid dementia and Alzheimer's disease. While genetics play a big part in super-agers' cognitive health, adopting healthy lifestyle habits also contributes, and other people might be able to improve their brain health in the same way. These habits include exercising regularly, following a plant-based diet, being social, adopting mentally challenging activities, and getting adequate sleep.

Hot weather tied to increased odds of stroke

A 2024 study suggests that exposure to high temperatures may increase the risk of an ischemic stroke. High temperatures may trigger dehydration, which can make the blood more viscous and more likely to clot.

Many older adults still follow outdated aspirin advice

A 2024 nationwide poll suggests that one in four older adults takes aspirin regularly in hopes of preventing a heart attack or stroke, even though updated guidelines from 2019 advise against that practice in many cases.

Should I get the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, can trigger side effects such as a sore arm, achiness, fatigue, and fever. But Shingrix is highly effective at preventing painful shingles rashes and a complication called postherpetic neuralgia, which involves long-lasting nerve pain.

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